TCU quarterback Trevone Boykin is a dual-threat quarterback who can run the ball or pick apart secondaries.AP Photo

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — TCU quarterback Trevone Boykin has spent a great deal of time studying Michigan State's defensive looks, all the better to make the right reads in Saturday night's Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl.

"They are bigger than most Big 12 defenses, I wouldn't say they are faster,'' Boykin said. "They are very aggressive, they are run stoppers. They have one of the best D-Line's in the nation.

"I wouldn't say they blitz more, but they fill gaps.''

The Spartans (6-6) might turn up the heat even more on the Horned Frogs (7-5) if All-Big Ten cornerback Johnny Adams sits out the 10:15 p.m. game with his turf toe ailment.

Michigan State safety Isaiah Lewis also missed a practice in Arizona with a foot injury, though he said he will play in the game.

By giving Boykin less time to throw, it would shrink the amount of time in coverage for Adams' back up — senior Mitchell White, redshirt freshman Trae Waynes or sophomore Tony Lippett.

The other option would be to pressure less and play more coverage, but that would fly in the face of comments made earlier this week by MSU defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi and linebackers coach Mike Tressel.

Either way, the mobile Boykin and his teammates seem to have a good understanding of the Spartans' pressure packages and tendencies.

"They disguise their defense good; you have to know where they are at,'' said Boykin, a redshirt freshman. "Usually when they show (blitz), they come. When they don't, you'll know.

"They like to bring six guys, especially if we're in empty (no backs). We've studied that on film; we watched corner blitzes, too, so we've seen it all.''

TCU running back Matthew Tucker has also done his homework on the Michigan State defense.

"Their D-Ends, they come straight up — they don't go slant in, they contain,'' Tucker said. "They blitz, too. they send people, and if they are down, they'll send everybody.''

Horned Frogs receiver Brandon Carter, who figures to benefit more than anyone else if Adams can't play, said he's hoping Michigan State sticks with its primary man-to-man coverage.

"Every time we see a defense that plays man coverage, it puts a smile on all the receivers' faces,'' Carter said. "We get one on one, we can do our own thing.''

Boykin won't hesitate to give his receivers the opportunity.

"It's really all about executing the offense,'' Boykin said. "If they try to take away our strengths, we'll have to find other ways to move the ball down the field, and hopefully our guy makes a play over their guy, that's what it comes down to.

"We have some of the best receivers in the nation, My job is to get them the ball as quickly as possible.''